Not very long ago, Brian Farinas appeared to be on his way out of FC Barcelona, with Girona emerging as a destination.
Fast forward a few weeks, though, there has been a complete turnaround in the youngster’s situation at the club.
Farinas set to stay
Indeed, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Farinas will stay at Barcelona this summer, with the club and his camp already working on sorting out his contract renewal.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who captained the reserve side Barça Atletic at times last season, was edging close to a permanent move to Estadi Montilivi earlier in the summer.
Girona, who were relegated from La Liga last season, were prepared to pay a fixed fee of around €1.5 million to secure 50% of the player’s economic rights from the league champions.
Set to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Frenkie de Jong injury changed things
However, the injury sustained by Frenkie de Jong during the 2026 FIFA World Cup changed the entire scenario.
After it was confirmed that the Netherlands international would be sidelined for an extended period, Hansi Flick decided that he wanted to retain Farinas and take a closer look at him during pre-season before sanctioning an exit.
The young midfielder has received constant opportunities through the course of the summer under the German manager and has managed to make a big impression.
So much so that Barcelona have now decided to retain the 20-year-old prospect and instead part ways with Tommy Marques, who made his first-team debut for the club last season.
Tommy Marques will leave Barcelona. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/@tommy.marques)
New contract incoming
Farinas has been at La Masia for eight years now, having joined the academy from Villarreal all the way back in 2018.
The 20-year-old starlet’s current contract with Barcelona stands to expire in 2028. As per Moretto, the renewal issue is already being worked on by the relevant parties now that the decision has been made for him to remain at the club.
The young midfielder racked up five goals and seven assists across 33 appearances for Barça Atletic last season.
Now, the expectation is that he will become a part of the first-team squad and fill in the spot that will be vacated by Marc Casado.